My all time favourite TV series is M*A*S*H, a comedy/drama centred around the doctors and nurses of the 4077th M*A*S*H unit during the Korean War. The series was so popular that it outlasted the duration of the 3 year war, spanning 11 seasons and 251 episodes.

The strong characterisation and story lines presented thought provoking themes that provide an ideal platform for lessons on life and leadership. Whether you are a fan of the show or not, I'm sure you will connect with my leadership insights from M*A*S*H.

LEADING FROM THE TRENCHES features bite-sized, candid insights that speak into the gritty space of leadership through the eyes of a fellow leader seeking to "lead with all diligence" (Romans 12:8).

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Volunteer Army



Episode 37:  Deal Me Out

Frank:   It’s against regulations to gamble with an enlisted man.
Hawkeye: You never enlisted, did you, Klinger?
Klinger: When they came for me, I ran like a thief right into 
         Grand Central Station. They trapped me in a pay toilet. 
         Cost ‘em four dollars in nickels to get me out.
Hawkeye: I love a volunteer.

While the officers meet for their weekly poker game, AKA the “conference”, they are interrupted by a number of medical emergencies.  Frank is one of those interruptions, giving Klinger a hard time for playing cards with the officers.

Australian culture prides itself on the strength of its volunteer base that forms the foundation of community, charity and service organizations.  Whether it is our life guards, country fire fighters, meals on wheels, sporting clubs, welfare agencies, churches or event organisers, our volunteers are an essential compliment to the paid workforce.  Without volunteers many of these groups would grind to a halt.  Business management expert Peter Drucker understood the importance of effectively attracting and retaining competent volunteers - “If non-profit organizations want to attract and hold them, they have to put their competence and knowledge to work.”  Volunteers commit to a purpose not a pay packet, they embrace a cause not a career, and they are motivated by a vision that is driven by internal rather than external rewards.

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